Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

44 U.S.C. § 1501

Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires—

“document” means a Presidential proclamation or Executive order and an order, regulation, rule, certificate, code of fair competition, license, notice, or similar instrument, issued, prescribed, or promulgated by a Federal agency;

“Federal agency” or “agency” means the President of the United States, or an executive department, independent board, establishment, bureau, agency, institution, commission, or separate office of the administrative branch of the Government of the United States but not the legislative or judicial branches of the Government;

“person” means an individual, partnership, association, or corporation;

“publish” means to circulate for sale or distribution to the public, as determined by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register; and

section 2901(11) of this title“National Archives of the United States” has the same meaning as in .

Pub. L. 90–62082 Stat. 1273Pub. L. 98–497, title I, § 107(b)(2)98 Stat. 2286Pub. L. 118–267, § 2(b)138 Stat. 2983(, , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

July 26, 1935, ch. 417, § 449 Stat. 501Based on 44 U.S. Code, 1964 ed., § 304 (, ).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 118–2672025— inserted definition of “publish”.

Pub. L. 98–4971984— inserted definition of “National Archives of the United States”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–497section 301 of Pub. L. 98–497section 2102 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .